I fix my hair and reapply my lip gloss. A knock breaks me out of my trance. "Come in," I yell out still focused on my reflection in the vanity mirror.
"Warren's here." My father smirks, trying to repress a real smile. He and Warren have bonded these few months and developed somewhat of a father-and-son relationship.
"Where's he taking you today?"
I shrug. "Why? Want to come?" I question in a teasing manner.
My dad shakes his head, letting out a slight chuckle. "No, I just have to make sure my baby is safe and sound."
My heart warms taking in his words. "Thank you, Dad." My words come out sincere and soft. He gives my forehead a light peck as I walk out of my room.
He's been a lot more attentive to mine and Penny's feelings, and that's something I appreciate, seeing him change.
I greet Warren with a light kiss on the cheek and an uncontrollable grin breaks out across his face.
"Hi." He mumbles.
"Hi," I whisper back.
"Dad, I need a ride." Penny waltzed down the stairs in tight, flared jeans and a bright yellow safety jacket.
She has to do community service because of the whole altercation at the dance. I'm glad that she didn't end up in jail like the others. Though, she was still ordered to face some kind of punishment by the judge.
"Ask nicely." My dad responds, plopping on the couch and snuggling up to my mother.
Penny huffs, but she can't hold back her giggles. "Dad, will you please give me a ride?" Unfortunately, Penny got her car taken away for a few months as punishment, so Dad had to drive her around everywhere. I low-key think that it's because my parents want to spend more time with her.
"Okay, we're heading out!" I announce walking towards the door.
"Be back before 10," my mother yells out from under my dad's embrace. She never once broke her gaze from the movie playing. The only movement she made was to shove more popcorn in her mouth.
"She will," Warren responds, sliding his hand in mine.
"Are we walking today?" The weather was sunny and accompanied by a soft breeze.
"No, uhh, come on." He pulls me in a different direction.
"Ohh, your mom let you borrow her car." I shimmy next to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Tell Ms. Peace I said thank you."
"No!" He laughs at my little antics. But his laughter dies down as he stops in front of a car.
It's black and sleek and looks like something Warren would love. "Do you like it?" He asks, trying to gauge my reaction.
My gears began to turn. "You bought a car?"
He tucks his hair behind his ear, and his eyes flicker from the car to mine. He gives me a small nod.
"It's so you. I love it." I walk around the car, taking it all in. He's worked so hard for this, and my heart warms seeing his hard work pay off.
I give him a big hug, and he laughs as I jump up and down excitedly. He guides me to the passenger side and opens the door. I slide in, breathing in the new car smell and taking in the car's interior.
I reach over to unlock his door, and he slides in before starting up the car. "Where are we going?" I question looking out the window.
"It's a surprise."
─⊹⊱☆⊰⊹─
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The ride is long but peaceful, quiet. We stop in front of a beautiful field of flowers. Warren opens my door and guides me along a small path. He's carrying a small picnic basket, and a blanket is hanging, neatly, in the nook of his arm.
I run my hand gently across the flowers, taking in the fresh and delicate aroma.
We walk for some time before stopping at the bottom of a grassy hill. A giant tree sits on the very top, its leaves rustle as wind blows through them.
We make our way up the hill, and Warren lays the blanket under the big tree. We sit in the shade, and I lie down, enjoying the moment.
"You hungry?" Warren mumbles, opening the basket. I sit up and scoot closer to him as he sets out the food.
"Did your mom help you?" I take in the perfectly assembled sandwiches wrapped in saran wrap.
"Yeah." He rubs the back of his head sheepishly.
I giggle at his reaction before taking a hefty bite of the sandwich. It was delicious and fresh.
"This is so good."
After taking in my reaction, Warren takes a bite of his sandwich. I take a few sips of my lemonade and then continue eating.
"Where did you find this place?"
"Uh, my dad used to take me here when I was little." My eyes break away from the scenery as I give him my full attention.
"It reminds me of a time when things were less stressful."
I move closer and lean my head on his shoulder. "In a similar way... you make me feel that way."
I close my eyes, taking in the moment. Warren takes my hand, and I feel his fingers wrap around mine. We lay side by side in each other's embrace. Even as the sun goes down, we lay there soaking up every bit of this moment.
─⊹⊱☆⊰⊹─
AN: Thank you for reading! Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
